On May 5, 2025, Mexican footballer Rodrigo Huescas was sentenced to 20 days in prison for reckless driving in Copenhagen, Denmark. The 21-year-old defender, who plays for FC Copenhagen, was caught driving at 111 kilometers per hour in a zone where the speed limit was just 50 kilometers per hour. This incident, which occurred on March 28, 2025, has raised significant concerns regarding his future in both club and international football.
Huescas, a product of Cruz Azul, accepted the court's ruling without contest. He expressed his remorse after the sentencing, stating, "I regret what happened. I know I did something potentially dangerous and very wrong. I apologize again and deeply regret all the negative consequences this has brought." The young player also acknowledged the impact of his actions on his family, saying, "I can see what this has done to my family and the uncertainty this situation has created. It hurts me to know that I put my loved ones at risk because of this."
In addition to his prison sentence, Huescas was fined 7,000 Danish Krone (approximately 1,020 US dollars) and will have his driver's license revoked for three years. His vehicle was also confiscated as part of the penalties imposed by the Copenhagen Municipal Court. Fortunately for Huescas, the court decided against deportation, allowing him to remain in Denmark and continue his career with FC Copenhagen.
The club's sporting director, Sune Smith-Nielsen, commented on the incident, calling Huescas's actions "completely unacceptable" and a "great stupidity." He reiterated that the player has been aware of the severity of his offense from the beginning and has apologized multiple times to the club, his teammates, and his family. "Now, justice has punished Rodrigo, and we accept the sentence. We expect him to serve his 20 days in prison," Smith-Nielsen stated.
As Huescas awaits further instructions from the Danish Correctional Service regarding the specifics of his sentence, he hopes to reach an agreement that would allow him to serve his time under house arrest instead of in prison. This possibility is crucial, as the Danish league is set to conclude on May 25, 2025, and the Gold Cup, where Huescas is expected to represent Mexico, begins on June 14, 2025.
Given the timing, if Huescas serves his sentence in prison, he could miss the opportunity to play in the Gold Cup, a significant tournament for the Mexican national team. The uncertainty surrounding his availability for the national squad has left fans and team officials anxious.
Huescas's performance with FC Copenhagen has been noteworthy, having played 31 matches since joining the club in mid-2024, contributing one goal and two assists. His solid play helped the team secure a spot at the top of the Danish league standings, with 56 points, as they approach the conclusion of the season.
Despite the legal troubles, FC Copenhagen has decided not to impose any additional sanctions on Huescas beyond the court's ruling. The club has stated that they will implement new procedures to ensure that all players, particularly international ones, are fully informed of Danish laws and regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the situation unfolds, Huescas remains focused on his responsibilities to his team while grappling with the consequences of his actions. He has expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his teammates and coaches during this challenging time.
Looking ahead, Huescas is determined to make amends and help his team achieve their goals, both in the league and on the international stage. The upcoming weeks will be critical as he navigates the legal landscape while preparing for the potential challenges of the Gold Cup.
In summary, the case of Rodrigo Huescas serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with being a professional athlete. As he faces the repercussions of his actions, fans and teammates alike will be watching closely to see how he manages this difficult chapter in his career.
